Artsplosure - The Raleigh Arts Festival will hold its 2026 event in May 16 and 17 in downtown Raleigh, organizers announced Thursday.
The event is free and open to the public.
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Event highlights this year include:
- Live performances from artists including Tashi Dorji, Sunny War, Frail Talk, Joseph Terrell, Slow Funeral, T Gold, and Luke & The Cool Hands
- Carolina Shakespeare, presenting eight performances across Saturday and Sunday, featuring condensed and accessible adaptations of classic Shakespearean works
- An award-winning Art Market showcasing more than 175 juried artists and craftspeople across 11 mediums, with original works available for purchase, including painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodwork and more
- The Student Art Exhibition, highlighting exceptional work from middle and high school artists across Wake County
- Families are invited to explore Kidsplosure, a dedicated space designed for young creatives, featuring hands-on art activities, interactive projects, and special performances.
Artsplosure was founded in 1980 and is Raleigh’s longest-running arts festival.
WRAL is a proud sponsor of this event.